EP3075898B1

EP3075898B1 - Laundry treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3075898B1
Application number: EP16162548.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Doohyun Kim; Hoosun LEE; Seungwoo HAN; Jeongkon KIM
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2015-03-30
Filing date: 2016-03-29
Publication date: 2018-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-29
Also published as: US10179966B2; CN106012457B; US20160289885A1; CN106012457A; WO2016159659A1; EP3075898A1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus equipped with a thermoelectric module.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a laundry treatment appliance is an apparatus that treats laundry by applying physical and chemical operations to laundry. For example, a washing machine, which removes contaminants adhered to laundry, a dehydration machine, which dehydrates laundry by rotating a wash tub in which laundry is accommodated at a high speed, and a drying machine, which dries wet laundry by supplying cold air or hot air into a wash tub are collectively referred to as laundry treatment appliances.
Laundry treatment apparatuses that are capable of drying clothes may be classified into an exhaust type drying system and a circulation (condensation) type drying system based on the flow of high-temperature air (hot air) supplied to clothes.
The circulation type drying system has a configuration in which, after the removal of moisture from air discharged from a tub (dehumidification), the air is reheated and resupplied into the tub.
The exhaust type drying system has a configuration in which heated air is supplied into a tub and air discharged from the tub is discharged out of a laundry treatment apparatus, rather than being resupplied into the tub.
DE 202009005871 U1 describes a condensation laundry dryer having a thermoelectric heat pump. In an example, two flow channels, which serve to heat exchange with the process air, are arranged one after the other in the direction of flow x of the process air. For heat-conducting coupling of the two flow channels, at least one side wall of the second flow channel is provided with an extension projecting forwardly beyond the actual flow channel and forming a heat conducting element. In the intermediate spaces between the heat conducting elements and side walls of the first flow channel, at least one Peltier element is arranged whose cold side is thermally connected to a side wall and whose warm side is thermally connected to a heat conducting element.
WO 2011/154336 A1 relates to a laundry dryer having a thermoelectric heat pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is indicated in the independent claim. Further embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a laundry treatment apparatus having high drying efficiency.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which a thermoelectric module is installed in a configuration that increases efficiency of drying.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laundry treatment apparatus, which has a
simplified flow path structure, thus minimizing flow loss.
Objects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned objects and other not-mentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a laundry treatment apparatus equipped with a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element configured, based on the Peltier effect, to emit heat from one surface thereof and absorb heat on an opposite surface thereof, or to absorb heat on one surface thereof and emit heat from an opposite surface thereof, a first heat exchange unit configured to come into close contact with one surface of the thermoelectric element so as to undergo heat exchange with air upon receiving heat from the surface, a heat transfer member configured to come into close contact with the opposite surface of the thermoelectric element so as to conduct heat, and a second heat exchange unit installed on the same surface of the heat transfer member as the first heat exchange unit, the second heat exchange unit being configured to undergo heat exchange with air upon receiving heat from the opposite surface of the thermoelectric element through the heat transfer member and wherein the heat transfer member is provided with an end thereof with a jagged structure for collection and dropping of condensed water, wherein the jagged structure includes protruding drop portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member. The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit may define a space therebetween in order to prevent movement of condensed water.
The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are arranged in a line.
The first heat exchange unit may undergo heat emission, and the second heat exchange unit may undergo heat absorption.
At least one of the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit may be provided with a slope configured to guide condensed water.
The heat transfer member are provided at an end thereof with a jagged structure for collection and dropping of condensed water.
The jagged structure is formed so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member.
The jagged structure includes a plurality of protruding drop portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member, and wherein a groove may be formed between the respective neighboring protruding drop portions.
At least one of the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit may be provided with a plurality of radiation fins, and ends of the radiation fins may be arranged in a zigzag form.
The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit may be arranged in a direction of gravity.
The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit may be horizontally arranged.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a cabinet defining an external appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus, a tub configured to accommodate wash water therein, a drum placed inside the tub, the drum being rotated while accommodating fabric therein, and a condenser unit connected to the tub, the condenser unit being configured to remove moisture while circulating air inside the tub, and the condenser unit may include a condenser duct connected to the tub so as to enable circulation of the air inside the tub, a condenser fan installed in the condenser duct and configured to circulate the air inside the tub, and the thermoelectric module installed in the condenser duct and configured to cool and heat the air moving along the condenser duct.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a heater installed in the condenser duct and configured to heat the air having passed through the thermoelectric module, and the second heat exchange unit may condense moisture in the air by cooling the air, and the first heat exchange unit may heat the air, from which the moisture has been condensed, and the heater may heat the air having passed through the first heat exchange unit.
The thermoelectric module may be located between the condenser fan and the heater.
The second heat exchange unit, the first heat exchange unit, and the heater may be sequentially arranged in a line.
The thermoelectric module may include two thermoelectric modules arranged to face each other, and all of two first heat exchange units and two second heat exchange units may be arranged between the two heat transfer members.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a cabinet defining an external appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus, a drum placed inside the cabinet, the drum being rotated while accommodating fabric therein, and a condenser unit installed in the cabinet, the condenser unit being configured to remove moisture while circulating air inside the drum, and the condenser unit may include a condensation heat exchanger having a first heat exchange flow path for movement of outside air and a second heat exchange flow path for movement of the air inside the drum, the condensation heat exchanger being configured to perform heat exchange between the outside air and the air inside the drum so as to dehumidify the air inside the drum, and the thermoelectric module configured to dehumidify and heat the air having passed through the second heat exchange flow path.
The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a heater configured to heat the air having passed through the thermoelectric module before the air moves to the drum, the second heat exchange unit may condense moisture in the air by cooling the air, and the first heat exchanger may heat the air, from which the moisture has been condensed, and the heater may heat the air having passed through the first heat exchange unit.
The thermoelectric module may be located between the condensation heat exchanger and the heater.
Objects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned objects and other not-mentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the interior configuration of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thermoelectric module illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the thermoelectric module illustrated in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of drop portions illustrated in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a condenser unit included in a washing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the interior of the condenser unit illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a condenser unit in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a condenser unit of a condensation type drying machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module and a condensation heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric module and the condensation heat exchanger in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of an exhaust type drying machine in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a front view of a condenser unit illustrated in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the configuration of a condensation type drying machine equipped with a heat pump module in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating a jagged structure in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a second heat exchange unit in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating radiation fins included in a second heat exchange unit in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The advantages and features of the present invention and the way of attaining them will become apparent with reference to embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be through and complete and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the interior configuration of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thermoelectric module illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the thermoelectric module illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of drop portions illustrated in FIG. 4.
The washing machine 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10, which defines the external appearance of the washing machine 100, a tub 20 in which wash water is accommodated, a drum 30, which is placed inside the tub 20 and is rotated while accommodating fabric therein, a drive unit 40, which serves to rotate the drum 30, a water supply unit (not illustrated), which receives wash water from an external water source and supplies the wash water into the tub 20, a detergent box 50 in which detergent may be accommodated, the detergent box 50 being configured to mix wash water and detergent with each other, a pump 60, which circulates wash water such that the wash water is discharged from the tub 20 and is then resupplied into the tub 20, a heater module 70, which is placed inside the tub 20 and serves to heat wash water, and a condenser unit 80, which is connected to the tub 20 and serves to remove moisture from the air inside the tub 20 while circulating the air.
The cabinet 10 defines the external appearance of the washing machine 100. The tub 20 is provided inside the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 has a fabric introduction/discharge hole 21 to enable the introduction or discharge of fabric. A door 15 is rotatably provided on the front surface of the cabinet 10 to enable the opening or closing of the fabric introduction/discharge hole 21.
A suspension, such as a spring unit (not illustrated) and a damper (not illustrated), is installed between the tub 20 and the cabinet 10. The suspension alleviates the transmission of vibrations from the tub 20 to the cabinet 10.
The tub 20 is configured to accommodate wash water therein.
In turn, the drum 30 is placed inside the tub 20.
The tub 20 may include a water level sensor (not illustrated), which senses the level of wash water accommodated in the tub 20.
Laundry (hereinafter referred to as "fabric") may be introduced into the drum 30 through the fabric introduction/discharge hole 21. The fabric is accommodated inside the drum 30.
The drum 30 is provided with a plurality of drum through-holes 33 for the passage of wash water. A lifter 32 is located on the inner wall of the drum 30. When the drum 30 is rotated, the lifter 32 lifts the fabric to a given height. The fabric, lifted by the lifter 32, falls down due to the weight thereof.
The drum 30 is rotated upon receiving torque from the drive unit 40.
The drum 30 may not be perfectly horizontally oriented, but may be tilted such that the rear side of the drum 30 is lower than the inlet of the drum 30.
The detergent box 50 is configured to accommodate detergent such as, for example, laundry detergent, a fabric softener, and a bleaching agent. The detergent box 50 may be provided on the front surface of the cabinet 10 so as to be pulled out and pushed into the cabinet 10. The detergent inside the detergent box 50 is mixed with wash water during the supply of wash water to thereby be introduced into the tub 20. The detergent box 50 may be divided into a section in which laundry detergent is accommodated, a section in which a fabric softener is accommodated, and a section in which a bleaching agent is accommodated.
The heater module 70 is located in the lower region of the tub 20.
When power is applied to the heater module 70 in a washing mode, the heater module 70 may heat wash water stored inside the tub 20. In addition, when power is applied to the heater module 70 in a drying mode, the heater module 70 may heat the air inside the tub 20.
The condenser unit 80 is used in a washing machine having a circulation type drying system.
The condenser unit 80 condenses and removes moisture from the air inside the tub 20. The condensed water may be discharged outward via the pump 60.
In the drying mode, the condenser unit 80 reduces the humidity of air inside the tub 20, thereby improving drying efficiency.
The condenser unit 80 does not discharge hot air outward from the cabinet 10. When drying is performed using the heater module 70, the cabinet 10 may become warm, or may discharge heated air to the surroundings.
When the drying mode is performed through the use of the condenser unit 80, variation in temperature around the cabinet 10 may be minimized.
In the present embodiment, the condenser unit 80 includes a condenser duct 82, which is connected to the tub 20, a condenser fan 84, which is installed in the condenser duct 82 and circulates air inside the tub 20, a thermoelectric module 110, which is installed in the condenser duct 82 and cools and heats moving air, and a heater 86, which is installed in the condenser duct 82 and heats the air having passed through the thermoelectric module 110.
In the present embodiment, the condenser unit 80 is installed on the top of the tub 20. The condenser unit 80 is installed outside the tub 20, but is connected to the interior of the tub 20.
Unlike the present embodiment, the condenser unit 80 may be installed on the side surface, the rear surface, or the lower surface of the tub 20.
The condenser duct 82 is connected, at one end thereof, to the front side of the tub 20, and is connected, at the other end thereof, to the rear side of the tub 20.
The heater 86 is a device that generates heat upon receiving power, and may be, for example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.
The condenser fan 84 may be any of various kinds of fans such as, for example, an axial flow fan or a turbo fan. The condenser fan 84 moves air inside the tub 20 to the condenser duct 82. The air inside the tub 20 is circulated by the condenser fan 84.
The thermoelectric module 110 is a device having an integrated thermoelectric element, which performs heat absorption on one surface thereof and heat emission from an opposite surface thereof based on the Peltier effect. Generally, the thermoelectric element is manufactured by combining a P-type semiconductor with an N-type semiconductor. The configuration of the thermoelectric element is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted herein.
The thermoelectric module 110 cools and heats moving air.
In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric module 110 has a feature such that an air cooling part and an air heating part are aligned with each other in a line within the condenser duct 82.
Air moving in the condenser duct 82 linearly passes through the thermoelectric module 110. Only one flow path is defined in the condenser duct 82, and the thermoelectric module 110 is located in the flow path.
The thermoelectric module 110 has minimal resistance to moving air. When the resistance of air passing through the thermoelectric module 110 is reduced, the load on the condenser fan 84 may be reduced, and operational noise may also be reduced.
The thermoelectric module 110 includes a first heat exchange unit 112, which performs heat exchange with contact air, a second heat exchange unit 114, which is aligned in a line with the first heat exchange unit 112 and performs heat exchange with contact air, a thermoelectric element 116, one surface of which comes into close contact with the first heat exchange unit 112 and which conducts heat to the first heat exchange unit 112, and a heat transfer member 118, which interconnects an opposite surface of the thermoelectric element 116 and the second heat exchange unit 114 and conducts heat from the opposite surface of the thermoelectric element 116 to the second heat exchange unit 114.
The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in a single flow path. In the present embodiment, both the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in the condenser duct 82.
The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 have a feature such that they are arranged on the same side of the heat transfer member 118. The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in a line. The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member 118.
The air inside the condenser duct 82 undergoes heat exchange with the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114, which are arranged in the single flow path.
The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may be placed at the same height. The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may be placed in the same plane. The air moving in the condenser duct 82 passes through the second heat exchange unit 114 and the first heat exchange unit 112 while the height thereof varies minimally. The moving air sequentially passes through the second heat exchange unit 114 and the first heat exchange unit 112, which are arranged in a line.
In order to minimize the movement distance of air, the second heat exchange unit 114 and the first heat exchange unit 112 may be arranged in a straight line.
The line along which the first and second heat exchange units 112 and 114 are arranged is not limited to a straight line. One example of the line arrangement may be a form in which the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in an arch form along the surface of the tub 20 or the drum 30.
The line arrangement may be a form in which the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged so as to cross each other with a prescribed angle therebetween.
The line arrangement means that the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in a single flow path.
In the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may be seen as being arranged in a straight line when viewed from the lateral side. In addition, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may be seen as being arranged in a straight line when viewed from the top side.
Unlike the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may have different heights. Because air moves through the condenser duct 82, even if the heights of the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 differ slightly from each other, variation in the height of air may be minimized.
Unlike the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may define an angle therebetween. However, because the air moves along the condenser duct 82, most of the air may move along a straight path.
The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 in accordance with the present embodiment are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the condenser duct 82. Unlike the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 or the second heat exchange unit 114 may be arranged in the direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the condenser duct 82.
In the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 is located at the front side toward the door 15, and the second heat exchange unit 114 is located at the rear side toward the drive unit 40. Unlike the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may be arranged at positions opposite to the above description.
In the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are located below the heat transfer member 118. As such, the air moves below the heat transfer member 118.
Unlike the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 may be located above the heat transfer member 118. In this case, the air moves above the heat transfer member 118.
The first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114 have a feature such that both of them are arranged on the same side of the heat transfer member 118.
The heat transfer member 118 may be formed of a metal material having high heat transfer efficiency, and, for example, may be formed of copper or aluminum.
In addition, the heat transfer member 118 may be a heat pipe.
In the present embodiment, based on the application of current to the thermoelectric element 116, the thermoelectric element 116 emits heat from one surface thereof, which is in contact with the first heat exchange unit 112, and absorbs heat on one surface thereof, which is in contact with the second heat exchange unit 114.
The first heat exchange unit 112 is installed so as to come into close contact with one surface 115 of the thermoelectric element 116, and the second heat exchange unit 114 is installed so as to come into close contact with an opposite surface 117 of the thermoelectric element 116.
The second heat exchange unit 114 undergoes heat exchange with the air passing therethrough to thereby cool the air.
The first heat exchange unit 112 undergoes heat exchange with the air passing therethrough to thereby heat the air.
Unlike the present embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 112 may take part in heat absorption, and the second heat exchange unit 114 may take part in heat emission.
In the present embodiment, the air, which is directed to pass through the condenser duct 82, passes through the second heat exchange unit 114, the first heat exchange unit 112, and the heater 86 in this sequence.
The air passing through the condenser duct 82 is cooled in the second heat exchange unit 114, is heated in the first heat exchange unit 112, and is reheated in the heater 86. The temperature of the heater 86 is far higher than the temperature of the first heat exchange unit 112, which depends on the emission of heat.
The second heat exchange unit 114 condenses moisture contained in air by cooling the air. The second heat exchange unit 114 dehumidifies the air suctioned from the tub 20.
Condensed water from the second heat exchange unit 114 may move along the inner surface of the tub 20, and thereafter may be discharged outward via the pump 60.
A space 113 is defined between the first heat exchange unit 112 and the second heat exchange unit 114. The space 113 functions to prevent the movement of condensed water. The space 113 prevents the condensed water from moving from the second heat exchange unit 114 to the first heat exchange unit 112.
The space 113 is set to a distance at which no capillary phenomenon occurs. Further, the space 113 is set to a distance by which condensed water cannot be moved by the wind pressure of the condenser fan 84.
The space 113 is set to a distance by which condensed water cannot be moved from the second heat exchange unit 114 to the first heat exchange unit 112 by the capillary phenomenon, that is, the surface tension of condensed water when the condenser fan 84 is operating at the maximum wind speed.
When condensed water is moved from the second heat exchange unit 114 to the first heat exchange unit 112, the condensed water may reduce the temperature of the first heat exchange unit 112, thus causing a deterioration in performance.
When the temperature of the first heat exchange unit 112 is reduced, the drying performance for drying fabric is deteriorated, and the heater module 70 or the heater 86 needs to increase heat emission.
Dehumidification is performed on the air that has passed through the second heat exchange unit 114, and the dehumidified air is heated while passing through the first heat exchange unit 112.
Then, the air is heated to a temperature suitable for the drying of fabric while passing through the heater 86.
The thermoelectric module 110 in accordance with the present embodiment is located in a single flow path and performs not only the dehumidification of air moving in the single flow path, but also the heating of air by waste heat generated therefrom, thereby contributing to the improvement of power efficiency. In particular, because the dehumidification and heating of air are performed in a single flow path, the length of the flow path may be minimized.
In addition, because the air cooled during dehumidification undergoes heat exchange with the first heat exchange unit 112, this has the effect of maintaining the consistent performance of the thermoelectric element 116.
In addition, in the present embodiment, because the air is heated using waste heat that is thrown out from the thermoelectric element 116, the load on the heater module 70 or the heater 86, which is used in the drying mode, may be reduced.
In addition, because the flow path of air, which passes through the second heat exchange unit 114, the first heat exchange unit 112, and the heater 86, are installed in a line, rather than being branched or merged, it is possible to minimize the resistance of air.
When the flow path of air is branched into two or more flow paths, or two or more flow paths are merged into one flow path, for example, an eddy or turbulence is generated, and a dead space, in which the flow of air does not occur, is created, which increases the resistance of air and decreases flow.
In the present embodiment, because air is subjected to dehumidification, heating, and reheating while moving along a single flow path, the flow resistance of air may be minimized, and consequently, the load on the condenser fan 84 may be minimized.
Meanwhile, although the condenser unit 80 is located on the top of the tub 20, unlike the present embodiment, the condenser unit 80 may be located at any of various positions on, for example, the side surface, the lower surface, or the rear surface of the tub 20.
Meanwhile, the second heat exchange unit 114 is provided with a condensed water drop structure, which enables more effective dropping of the produced condensed water.
In the present embodiment, a slope 132 is formed on the outer edge of the second heat exchange unit 114, such that condensed water effectively drops via the slope 132. The slope 132 is inclined relative to a vertical line.
In the present embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 114 consists of a plurality of radiation fins 131, and therefore the slope 132 is formed on each radiation fin 131.
The radiation fins 131 are formed of a metal material having high thermal conductivity and are arranged parallel to one another. The slope 132 is formed on the edge of each radiation fin 131.
In particular, when the second heat exchange unit 114 is located below the heat transfer member 118, the slope 132 may effectively drop condensed water.
In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric module 110 is horizontally oriented.
Unlike the present embodiment, the thermoelectric module may be oriented in the direction of gravity. When the thermoelectric module 110 is vertically oriented, the heat exchange unit, in which the condensed water is produced, may be located at the lower side.
The heat transfer member 118 may also be provided with a condensed water drop structure.
The heat transfer member 118 is provided with a jagged structure 133 at one end thereof, and the jagged structure 133 is located on the side on which the second heat exchange unit 114 is disposed.
The jagged structure 133 may be connected to the slope 132.
The jagged structure 133 includes protruding drop portions 134, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member 118, and grooves 135 formed between the protruding drop portions 134.
Each of the grooves 135 may be provided with an inclined protruding portion 136.
One radiation fin 131 may be located on one protruding drop portion 134. In this case, the grooves 135 are located between the radiation fins 131.
In the present embodiment, the protruding drop portion 134 has the same thickness as the heat transfer member 118. Unlike the present embodiment, the protruding drop portion 134 may have a gradually reduced thickness.
The inclined protruding portion 136 is gradually reduced in thickness with decreasing distance to the end of the heat transfer member 118.
Through the provision of the grooves 135, the surface area of the heat transfer member 118 is considerably increased.
The condensed water, produced in the second heat exchange unit 114, may move to the jagged structure 133 along the slope 132, and thereafter may agglomerate into large water droplets. The agglomerated water droplets easily drop due to the weight thereof.
Although the jagged structure 133 is formed at the heat transfer member 118 in the present embodiment, unlike the present embodiment, the radiation fins 131 may be provided with a jagged structure.
In addition, although the heat transfer member 118 and the radiation fins 131 are separately manufactured, unlike the present embodiment, the heat transfer member 118 and the radiation fins 131 may be integrally manufactured.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a condenser unit included in a washing machine having in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the interior of the condenser unit illustrated in FIG. 6.
In the condenser unit 80 of the washing machine in accordance with the present embodiment, the condenser fan 84 is located at the outlet side of the condenser duct 82. The condenser fan 84 blows the air inside the condenser duct 82 into the drum 30.
The air, suctioned from the inlet side of the condenser duct 82, passes through the thermoelectric module 110 and the heater 86, and then moves into the tub 20.
The inlet of the condenser duct 82 is located at the rear side, and the outlet of the condenser duct 82 is located at the front side.
Because the condenser fan 84 is installed at the outlet side of the condenser duct 82, there is an advantage in that heated air may be more forcibly discharged into the tub 20.
Because the heated air is discharged into the drum 30 through the condenser fan 84, the speed at which the fabric inside the drum 30 is dried may be improved.
The air, discharged through the condenser fan 84, may be directed to the fabric. Specifically, the air discharged from the condenser fan 84 may be directed to the rear lower side of the drum 30. As such, the heated air may be discharged from the front upper side of the tub 20 to the rear lower side of the tub 20.
The direction in which the air is discharged from the condenser fan 84 may be guided so as to allow the heated air to be directly supplied to the fabric. By allowing the heated air to reach the fabric by the shortest distance, it is possible to minimize the reduction in temperature while the air moves, and consequently, to minimize power consumption.
In addition, when the direction in which the air is discharged from the condenser fan 84 is guided, the air inside the tub 20 may be more effectively circulated.
An improvement in the drying speed of fabric may cause a reduction in the power consumption of the heater 86 and the heater module 70, which are used for drying.
In the present embodiment, likewise, the air suctioned into the condenser duct 82 is subjected to dehumidification, heating, and reheating.
As such, as in the first embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 114, the first heat exchange unit 112, and the heater 86 are arranged in a line within the condenser duct 82.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the condenser unit in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
The present embodiment has a feature such that a plurality of thermoelectric modules is installed so as to face each other. In particular, the heat transfer members 118 are located at opposite edges, and the heat exchange units 112 and 114 are arranged between the heat transfer members 118. Air is directed to move between the heat transfer members 118.
Provided between the heat transfer members 118 are two first heat exchange units 112, which form a pair so as to face each other, and two second heat exchange units 114, which form a pair so as to face each other.
In the present embodiment, air moves between the two heat transfer members 118, and this is advantageous for heat exchange between the air and the first heat exchange units 112 and the second heat exchange units 114.
Because the air moves between the two heat transfer members 118, it is possible to minimize the amount of air that moves without heat exchange, compared to the case where one thermoelectric module 110 is installed.
The two thermoelectric modules 110, which are arranged to face each other, may be vertically upright. Alternatively, the two thermoelectric modules 110, which are arranged to face each other, may be horizontally upright. In yet another alternative, the two thermoelectric modules 110, which are arranged to face each other, may be obliquely oriented.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a condenser unit of a condensation type drying machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module and a condensation heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 9.
The present embodiment relates to a condensation type drying machine. The thermoelectric module 110 in accordance with the first embodiment is installed in the condensation type drying machine. The condensation type drying machine is configured to remove moisture from circulating air and to dry fabric.
The drying machine is provided only with a drum (not illustrated), without a tub, unlike the washing machine.
The drum, installed in the drying machine, does not need to pass wash water, and therefore does not have the drum through-holes 33 formed therein, as in the first embodiment.
The drying machine in accordance with the present embodiment has a feature such that the circulating air first undergoes heat exchange with a condensation heat exchanger 120, and thereafter undergoes heat exchange with the thermoelectric module 110.
A condenser unit 180 in accordance with the present embodiment may be located below the drum.
The condenser unit 180 in accordance with the present embodiment may be located in the lower region of the cabinet 10.
The condenser unit 180 in accordance with the present embodiment includes the condensation heat exchanger 120, which includes a first heat exchange flow path 121, through which outside air moves, and a second heat exchange flow path 122, through which the air inside the drum moves, the condensation heat exchanger 120 undergoing heat exchange between the outside air and the air inside the drum, a first fan 181, which is configured to move the outside air to the first heat exchange flow path 121, a second fan 182, which is configured to move the air inside the drum to the second heat exchange flow path 122, a condensation motor 183, which is configured to drive the first fan 181 and the second fan 182, the thermoelectric module 110, which is configured to undergo heat exchange with the air having passed through the second heat exchange flow path 122, and the heater 86, which is configured to heat the air having passed through the thermoelectric module 110.
The condensation heat exchanger 120 serves to enable heat exchange between the air circulating inside the drum and the outside air. The condenser unit 180 uses the outside air in order to cool the air circulating inside the drum. When the air circulating inside the drum is cooled using the outside air, power consumption may be reduced.
In the condensation heat exchanger 120, the first heat exchange flow path 121, through which the outside air moves, is configured as a single layer, and the second heat exchange flow path 122 is configured as an upper or lower layer relative to the first heat exchange flow path 121.
The first heat exchange flow path 121 and the second heat exchange flow path 122 are stacked one above another. Specifically, a plurality of first heat exchange flow paths 121 and a plurality of second heat exchange flow paths 122 are alternately stacked one above another.
The first heat exchange flow path 121 and the second heat exchange flow path 122 are oriented so that the directions in which the air moves cross each other. In the present embodiment, the first heat exchange flow path 121 and the second heat exchange flow path 122 cross each other with an angle of 90 degrees therebetween.
When the air inside the drum moves through the second heat exchange flow path 122, the air loses heat to the outside air, thus producing condensed water. The condensation heat exchanger 120 cools the air inside the drum using the outside air, which has a low temperature, and removes moisture from the air inside the drum.
The thermoelectric module 110 has the same configuration as that in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric module 110 is located between the condensation heat exchanger 120 and the heater 86.
The second heat exchange flow path 122 and the second heat exchange unit 114 are arranged in a line. The air that has passed through the second heat exchange flow path 122 moves to the second heat exchange unit 114 in a straight path.
Like the first embodiment, the thermoelectric module 110 is arranged in the order of the second heat exchange unit 114 (for heat absorption) and the first heat exchange unit 112 (for heat emission).
The second heat exchange unit 114 repeatedly performs dehumidification on the air having passed through the condensation heat exchanger 120. The second heat exchange unit 114 has a lower temperature than that of the outside air.
The air inside the drum is primarily dehumidified while passing through the condensation heat exchanger 120, and is secondarily dehumidified while passing through the second heat exchange unit 114 (for heat absorption).
The second heat exchange unit 114 may cool the air to a lower temperature than that in the condensation heat exchanger 120.
Here, because the air inside the drum passes through the second heat exchange flow path 122 and the second heat exchange unit 114 in a straight line, the resistance attributable to air may be minimized.
The air, which has been secondarily dehumidified in the second heat exchange unit 114, is primarily heated while passing through the first heat exchange unit 112. Then, the air having passed through the first heat exchange unit 112, is secondarily heated while passing through the heater 86.
The heater 86 may be set at a higher temperature than that of the first heat exchange unit 112.
The air having passed through the heater 86 is supplied into the drum, thus serving to dry the fabric inside the drum.
In the present embodiment, the condensation motor 183 drives the first fan 181 and the second fan 182 at the same time. Unlike the present embodiment, respective motors may be provided to drive the first fan 181 and the second fan 182 separately.
When the condensation motor 183 is driven, the first fan 181 and the second fan 182 are driven at the same time, thus causing the simultaneous movement of outside air and inside air.
Although not illustrated separately, components such as, for example, a duct (not illustrated) may be installed in order to move the outside air from the first fan 181 to the condensation heat exchanger 120.
In addition, a duct for the movement of air may also be installed between the second fan 182 and the condensation heat exchanger 120.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric module and the condensation heat exchanger in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, likewise in the third embodiment, the two thermoelectric modules 110 are arranged so as to face each other.
In the present embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 114 is located toward the condensation heat exchanger 120.
Because the second heat exchange unit 114 is provided in a plural number, an increased amount of air may be secondarily dehumidified.
In addition, because two thermoelectric elements 116 are provided to cool the respective second heat exchange units 114, the amount of air to be dehumidified may be more actively controlled.
For example, when it is necessary to vaporize a large amount of moisture from fabric, both of the thermoelectric modules 110 may be operated. When it is necessary to vaporize a small amount of moisture, only one thermoelectric module 110 may be operated.
The two first heat exchange units 112 may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other, and the two second heat exchange units 114 may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other. In this case, even when only one thermoelectric module 110 is operated, heat may be conducted to the opposite thermoelectric module.
Because heat may be transferred via conduction even though only one thermoelectric module 110 is operated, the efficiency of dehumidification or heating by the thermoelectric module 110 may be improved.
In addition, even when only one thermoelectric module 110 is operated, the resulting air contact area is doubled.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of an exhaust type drying machine in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a front view of a condenser unit illustrated in FIG. 12.
The present embodiment relates to an exhaust type drying machine.
The exhaust type drying machine is configured to heat air suctioned from outside to a prescribed temperature and to supply the heated air into the drum 30 so as to dry fabric, and to discharge the air from the drum 30 to the outside.
In the present embodiment, the air, discharged from the drum 30, is dehumidified, and thereafter is discharged outward from a cabinet (not illustrated).
The thermoelectric module 110 in accordance with the present embodiment is located on the rear surface of the drum 30.
Air is dehumidified while passing through the second heat exchange unit 114 and is heated while passing through the first heat exchange unit 112.
The air having passed through the thermoelectric module 110 may be supplied into the drum 30 after being heated by the heater 86.
The air heated by the heater 86 may be supplied into the drum 30 through the shaft center of the drum 30.
Reference numeral 11 designates a rear panel 11, which constitutes the cabinet 10. The rear panel 11 may be provided with a guide 12, which guides the air to the thermoelectric module 110 and the heater 86.
Here, the thermoelectric module 110 is oriented in the direction of gravity.
The second heat exchange unit 114 of the thermoelectric module 110 is located lower than the first heat exchange unit 112.
As such, the jagged structure is located at the lowermost end of the thermoelectric module 110.
The other components are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the configuration of a condensation type drying machine equipped with a heat pump module in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
The present embodiment relates to a condensation type drying machine, which is equipped with a heat pump module 140 and the thermoelectric module 110.
The air inside the drum 30 is subjected to dehumidification and heating by the thermoelectric module 110 and the heat pump module 140.
The heat pump module 140 includes a first heat exchanger 142, a second heat exchanger 144, an expansion valve 143, and a compressor 141, and may have a heat pump operating cycle.
When operating in a cooling cycle, the first heat exchanger 142 serves as a condenser and the second heat exchanger 144 serves as an evaporator.
That is, refrigerant discharged from the compressor 141 is condensed into liquid-phase refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 142, and emits heat to the surroundings.
The liquid-phase refrigerant condensed in the first heat exchanger 142 expands in the expansion valve 143 to thereby be atomized.
The refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve 143 is vaporized into gas-phase refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 144 and absorbs heat from the surroundings.
The gas-phase refrigerant vaporized in the second heat exchanger 144 moves to the compressor 141, and the process described above is repeated.
Thereby, the second heat exchanger 144 cools the air discharged from the condenser fan 84 and dehumidifies the air so as to remove moisture contained in the air.
The first heat exchanger 142 heats the air having passed through the thermoelectric module 110 using condensation heat.
That is, the air discharged from the condenser fan 84 sequentially passes the second heat exchanger 144, the thermoelectric module 110, the first heat exchanger 142, and the heater 86.
The thermoelectric module 110 dehumidifies the air by cooling the air, and thereafter heats the air. In the thermoelectric module 110, the second heat exchange unit 114 is located toward the second heat exchanger 144 (i.e. the evaporator), and the first heat exchange unit 112 is located toward the first heat exchanger 142 (i.e. the condenser).
As such, the air discharged from the condenser fan 84 is primarily dehumidified in the second heat exchanger 144, and thereafter is secondarily dehumidified in the second heat exchange unit 114.
Then, the air is primarily heated in the first heat exchange unit 112, is secondarily heated in the first heat exchange unit 142, and is thirdly heated in the heater 86.
The air moves into the drum 30 after being thirdly heated to a prescribed temperature.
The drying machine in accordance with the present embodiment may take advantage of both heat absorption and heat emission occurring in the heat pump module 140 and the thermoelectric module 110, thereby reducing power consumption and also reducing the load on the heater 86.
The other components are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating a jagged structure in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, a jagged structure 233 includes protruding drop portions 234, at least one surface of which has a gradually reduced area.
In the present embodiment, the end of the protruding drop portion 234 may be shaped so that the width thereof is gradually reduced. The protruding drop portion 234 may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the top side.
A groove 235 between the protruding drop portions 234 may have a wedge shape.
The groove 235 may be shaped so that the width of an end thereof is gradually increased.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a second heat exchange unit in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, an absorption member 137 is installed to absorb condensed water.
The absorption member 137 may more rapidly collect and agglomerate condensed water.
The absorption member 137 may be located on the protruding drop portion 134.
The absorption member 137 may be formed of a porous material, such as sponge.
Instead of the absorption member 137, a hydrophilic coating may be used.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating radiation fins included in a second heat exchange unit in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, instead of the jagged structure, the radiation fins 131 may have different lengths, so as to allow condensed water to be collected between the ends thereof.
That is, the ends of the radiation fins 131 may be arranged in a zigzag manner.
With the zigzag arrangement of the ends, a condensed water collection space 138 is defined between the ends of the radiation fins 131. The condensed water collected in the condensed water collection space 138 has high surface tension, thus causing water droplets to grow to a large size.
The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.
As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has one or more effects as follows.
First, upon drying of fabric, the load on a heater may be reduced, owing to the use of a thermoelectric module.
Second, compared to a laundry treatment apparatus in which only a heater is installed, increased heat emission efficiency and reduced power consumption for drying may be accomplished.
Third, because air to be circulated or exhausted sequentially passes through the heat absorption side and the heat emission side of the thermoelectric module, which are arranged in a line, the resistance of air may be minimized.
Fourth, because all of the energy generated at the heat absorption side and the heat emission side of the thermoelectric module may be used, the thermoelectric module may achieve improved efficiency.
Fifth, the interaction between the thermoelectric module and a condensation heat exchanger, which performs dehumidification, may maximize the dehumidification efficiency.
Sixth, the thermoelectric module may achieve maximized efficiency when it is located between the condensation heat exchanger and the heater.
Seventh, the thermoelectric module may achieve maximized efficiency when it is located between an evaporator and a condenser, which constitute a heat pump module.
Eighth, it is possible to prevent produced condensed water from moving to the heat emission side of the thermoelectric module.
Ninth, a jagged structure formed on a heat transfer member may facilitate a rapid growth of the produced condensed water into water droplets that can drop.
Tenth, through the provision of, for example, slopes on radiation fins, the jagged structure on the heat transfer member, and the zigzag arrangement of radiation fins, the produced condensed water may be rapidly grown into water droplets that can drop.
Objects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned objects and other not-mentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, the present invention is not limited to the above described particular embodiments, and various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

A laundry treatment apparatus equipped with a thermoelectric module (110), the apparatus comprising:
a thermoelectric element (116) configured, based on the Peltier effect, to emit heat from one surface thereof and absorb heat on an opposite surface thereof, or to absorb heat on one surface thereof and emit heat from an opposite surface thereof;

a first heat exchange unit (112) configured to come into close contact with one surface of the thermoelectric element (116) so as to undergo heat exchange with air upon receiving heat from the surface;

a heat transfer member (118) configured to come into close contact with the opposite surface of the thermoelectric element (116) so as to conduct heat; and

a second heat exchange unit (114) installed on the heat transfer member (118), the second heat exchange unit (114) being configured to undergo heat exchange with air upon receiving heat from the opposite surface of the thermoelectric element (116) through the heat transfer member (118),

wherein the first heat exchange unit (112) and the second heat exchange unit (114) are arranged on a same side of the heat transfer member (118) and are arranged in a line,

characterized in that:
the heat transfer member (118) is provided at an end thereof with a jagged structure (133; 233) for collection and dropping of condensed water,

wherein the jagged structure (133; 233) includes protruding drop portions (134; 234) extending in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member (118).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchange unit (112) and the second heat exchange unit (114) define a space (113) therebetween in order to prevent movement of condensed water.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the first heat exchange unit (112) undergoes heat emission, and the second heat exchange unit (114) undergoes heat absorption.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first heat exchange unit (112) and the second heat exchange unit (114) is provided with a slope (132) configured to guide condensed water.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jagged structure (133; 233) is formed so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member (118).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the jagged structure (133; 233) further includes:
a groove (135; 235) formed between the respective neighboring protruding drop portions (134; 234).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first heat exchange unit (112) and the second heat exchange unit (114) is provided with a plurality of radiation fins (131); and
wherein ends of the radiation fins (131) are arranged in a zigzag form.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the first heat exchange unit (112) is positioned over the second heat exchange unit (114).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the first heat exchange unit (112) and the second heat exchange unit (114) are horizontally arranged.
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, further comprising:
a cabinet (10) defining an external appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus;

a tub (20) configured to accommodate wash water therein;

a drum (30) placed inside the tub (20), the drum (30) being rotated while accommodating fabric therein; and

a condenser unit (80) connected to the tub (20), the condenser unit (80) being configured to remove moisture while circulating air inside the tub (20),

wherein the condenser unit (80) includes:
a condenser duct (82) connected to the tub (20) so as to enable circulation of the air inside the tub (20);

a condenser fan (84) installed in the condenser duct (82) and configured to circulate the air inside the tub (20); and

the thermoelectric module (110) installed in the condenser duct (82) and configured to cool and heat the air moving along the condenser duct (82).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, further comprising:
a cabinet defining an external appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus;

a drum (30) placed inside the cabinet, the drum (30) being rotated while accommodating fabric therein; and

a condenser unit (180) installed in the cabinet, the condenser unit (180) being configured to remove moisture while circulating air inside the drum (30),

wherein the condenser unit (180) includes:
a condensation heat exchanger (120) having a first heat exchange flow path (121) for movement of outside air and a second heat exchange flow path (122) for movement of the air inside the drum (30), the condensation heat exchanger (120) being configured to perform heat exchange between the outside air and the air inside the drum (30) so as to dehumidify the air inside the drum (30); and

the thermoelectric module (110) configured to dehumidify and heat the air having passed through the second heat exchange flow path (122).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to claims 10 or 11, further comprising a heater (86) configured to heat the air having passed through the thermoelectric module (110) before the air moves to the drum (30),
wherein the second heat exchange unit (114) condenses moisture in the air by cooling the air, and the first heat exchange unit (112) heats the air, from which the moisture has been condensed, and
wherein the heater (86) heats the air having passed through the first heat exchange unit (112).
The laundry treatment apparatus according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the thermoelectric module (110) is located between the condensation heat exchanger (120) and the heater (86).